Zero tolerance for health sector corruption: State minister

State Minister for Health MA Muhit has warned that no one involved in corruption in the health sector would be spared, pledging immediate legal action against those implicated, regardless of their position or influence.

Speaking at the 32nd DNMC Day of Dhaka National Medical College today (16 October), he said every penny allocated to the health sector would be spent transparently on public services under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Even if a very powerful person is involved, neither the government nor the prime minister will give them any protection if the slightest evidence of corruption is found in the health sector,” he said, warning of immediate and strict legal action.

Emphasising transparency and accountability, the state minister alleged that thousands of crores of taka had been siphoned out of the country from the health sector during the previous government’s 15-year rule.

He also said the medical college had not paid income tax for 12 consecutive years, adding that the current government and the new governing body were working to clear the accumulated liabilities.

Muhit said sustainable development in any sector would be impossible without effectively curbing corruption.

He added that the government was restructuring the health sector in response to the aspirations for change expressed during the 2024 July Uprising.

The health budget, funded by taxpayers’ hard-earned money, would be used to recruit doctors and nurses, provide free medicines and ensure quality treatment for ordinary and poor people, he said.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain also spoke at the programme as a special guest.